We are firm believers that you don’t need an occasion to bake something sweet, whether it be a layer cake worthy of a birthday party or a batch of cookies. The same can be said for fudge. While this confection is often seen displayed in a long lineup of treats at a holiday party, it can and should be enjoyed year-round. But since it’s the holidays and you asked, we’re here to explain the best way to store fudge, homemade or store-bought, on the counter or in the freezer.
Storing Fudge Anytime, Anywhere
Here’s the thing about homemade fudge: It’s temperamental. Way more temperamental than most cookies, cakes, brownies and bars, and quick breads, in fact. You need a candy thermometer, good-quality dark chocolate, and a careful eye to make it. Fudge is for all intents and purposes, candy. It’s important to store fudge properly to ensure that its creamy texture stays smooth and that its color remains a rich, dark chocolate brown.
Whether you make a batch of homemade fudge or bring home a pound of assorted flavors from the general store, the best way to keep fudge fresh is by transferring it to an airtight container and leaving it stored at room temperature. To keep fudge pieces from sticking to themselves, store the chocolatey layers with waxed paper, which provides a naturally nonstick surface.
Whatever you do, don’t put your Chocolate Walnut or Mystic Mud in the refrigerator. The refrigerator will not only alter the texture of your fudge (for the worse), but you always risk it absorbing other flavors floating around on crowded shelves.
How to Store Fudge in the Freezer
But I want to enjoy fudge on the beaches of Miami in March or at Easter brunch or pack it in my child’s lunchbox on the first day of school or in my own lunchbox when I have to return to the office in February. Whatever scenario you’re picturing in which you’ll want to eat homemade fudge a few months after the holiday season, there’s a reputable way to go about freezing fudge to extend its shelf life.
Here’s how to do it: First, make sure that your fudge is completely cooled. Wrap the fudge tightly, first with layers of wax or parchment paper, and then an exterior layer of aluminum foil. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container, which will help prevent freezer burns and ice crystals from forming. If homemade fudge is properly stored, it shouldn’t taste any different than when you nibbled on it mid-December. Just don’t eat it after a few months and expect it to taste the same: While it is still perfectly safe to consume, the texture and flavor will begin to deteriorate.
This is the same rule of thumb for most baked goods, too. “Use airtight freezer bags, press as much air as possible out of them, and consider slipping them into yet another bag or airtight plastic container. Or use vacuum-sealed bags. Obsessive? Yes, but it helps prevent that telltale freezer flavor,” explains Alice Medrich.
Best Chocolate FudgeRecipe
Ingredients
| 5 | tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 20 | ounces dark chocolate, chips or finely hand-chopped (I like to aim for 60% cacao or higher) |
| 1 | (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 | teaspoon espresso powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), plus more to taste and sprinkle |
| 5 | tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 20 | ounces dark chocolate, chips or finely hand-chopped (I like to aim for 60% cacao or higher) |
| 1 | (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 | teaspoon espresso powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), plus more to taste and sprinkle |
Are you planning to make fudge during the holidays? What's your favorite flavor? Tell us in the comments below!
FAQs
If you're looking to store your homemade chocolate fudge for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap each piece of fudge tightly in wax paper or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date to ensure you know when it was frozen.
Does fudge need to be stored airtight? ›
Use an airtight container: To keep your fudge fresh and free from moisture, store it in an airtight container. This prevents the fudge from absorbing any unwanted odors and helps maintain its flavor.
How long is Christmas fudge good for? ›
Room Temperature: Make sure your fudge is in an airtight container. It can last 2-3 weeks, maintaining its creamy texture. There are a few signs of spoilage in fudge. If it's exposed to air, it can dry out and harden.
How do you wrap fudge for Christmas? ›
Add a simple wooden or paper stick, some transparent gauze wrapping, a bow and a creative label to any piece of fudge, and you've now got something that looks more like an expensive candy apple than a humble square of fudge.
Can you store fudge in a jar? ›
Fudge does not need to be stored in a sterilised jar but one with an airtight seal is a good idea. Otherwise try to use a container with a tight-fitting lid. In a cool place the fudge will keep for about 2 weeks but you can also keep the fudge in the fridge which will extend the life for 3 to 4 weeks.
How to save fudge that didn't set? ›
Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:
OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight.
Is it better to freeze or refrigerate fudge? ›
So to recap, it's best to store proper fudge at room temperature. Keeping it in the fridge takes out all its moisture, drying it out. Homemade fudge is best in the fridge. No matter where you store it, the goal is to protect the fudge from exposure to the elements so airtight containers are best!
How to tell if fudge is bad? ›
Signs That Your Fudge Has Gone Bad
Signs of spoilage include a dry, crumbly texture, discoloration, and an off smell or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the fudge to avoid any potential health risks.
How long does Joann's fudge last? ›
Joanns fudge is best stored at room temperature up to 2 weeks. If you would like to enjoy it at a later date, freeze it air tight (wrapped in plastic wrap works best) It will last up to a year frozen.
Can you store fudge in a Ziploc bag? ›
A: Storing Fudge @ Room Temp: The key to fudge is keeping the moisture in the fudge. To do this keep your fudge in wrapped in the wax paper/saran wrap that it came with. Beyond that you could place it in a zip lock bag or even heat seal it in a bag.
To properly freeze fresh fudge, cut it into whatever size pieces you want to freeze and then wrap each piece with an airtight wrapping material, such as aluminum foil or Saran brand wrap. Most plastic wraps other than Saran are typically not airtight and will not protect your fudge against moisture or water vapor.
Can I wrap fudge in parchment paper? ›
Put parchment paper to good use with this idea for packaging edible gifts: Carefully wrap your favorite Christmas fudge inside a DIY parchment paper wrapping paper. Complete the rustic look by tying a twine ribbon adorned with a cheery candy cane.
Can I freeze fudge to make it set? ›
We like to set this fudge in the freezer to make it quicker! Once you add the fudge to your pan it will need just 30 minutes in the freezer to set.
Does condensed milk fudge need to be refrigerated? ›
Store the fudge in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
How long does peanut butter fudge last in the fridge? ›
Store uneaten fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How long to refrigerate fudge before cutting? ›
Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the refrigerator, uncovered. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, about 2-3 hours (or overnight), before slicing and serving.
